ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India maintains a steady trajectory of sustained fall in Active Cases
27 States/UTs have less than 20,000 Active Cases
10 States account for 78% of total Active Cases
India continues to report a steady trend of declining active cases. The active cases are less than 6 lakh for the last seven consecutive day and stand presently at 5,27,962. The active cases are now only 6.31% of the total positive cases of the country.
Following the national trend, 27 States/UTs have less than 20,000 active cases.
10 States/UT account for 78% of the total active cases in the country. Maharashtra, Kerala, Delhi and West Bengal together account for more than 51% of the active cases.
The declining trend of the active cases is complemented by the unbroken increase, day on day number of recovered cases. The total recovered cases stand at 7,711,809. The gap between Recovered cases and Active cases has reached nearly 72 lakh . The national Recovery Rate has further improved to 92.20%.
55,331 COVID patients have recovered and discharged in the last 24 hours whereas the new confirmed cases stand at 50,210.
82% of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 States/UTs.
Maharashtra, Kerala and Karnataka have contributed the maximum to the single day recoveries with more than 8,000 recoveries. They together account for more than 45% of the new recovered cases.
50,210 new confirmed cases were recorded in the last 24 hours.
79% of the new cases are found concentrated in 10 States and UTs.
Kerala continues to be the State reporting a very high number of new cases with more than 8,000 cases followed by Delhi with more than 6,000 cases.
704 case fatalities have been reported in the past 24 hours.
Of these, ten States/UT account for nearly 80% of the new deaths. More than 42% of new fatalities reported are from Maharashtra alone .
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Ministry of I&B issues Advisory on Obligation of Public Service Broadcasting
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has issued the “Guidelines for Uplinking and Downlinking of Television Channels in India, 2022” on 09.11.2022. The Guidelines, among other things, require private broadcasters to undertake public service broadcasting for 30 minutes every day. In this regard, the Ministry undertook extensive consultations with the private satellite TV channel Broadcasters and their Associations and based on their inputs an “Advisory” has been issued on 30.01.2023.
Through the “Advisory”, the Ministry has clarified that the relevant content embedded in the programmes being telecast can be accounted for Public Service Broadcasting. It is also clarified that the content need not be of 30 minutes at a stretch and could be spread over smaller time slots and requires the broadcaster to submit a monthly report online on the Broadcast Seva Portal. The theme for the broadcasting should comprise of content of national importance and of social relevance, including the following, namely
- education and spread of literacy;
- agriculture and rural development;
- health and family welfare;
- science and technology;
- welfare of women;
- welfare of the weaker sections of the society;
- protection of environment and of cultural heritage; and
- national integration
The “Advisory” seeks to achieve the objective of Public Service Broadcasting by private satellite TV channels through voluntary compliance and self-certification.
A copy of the “Advisory” is available on the website of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at
https://mib.gov.in/sites/default/files/Advisory%20on%20Obligation%20of%20PSB_1.pdf
and the Broadcast Seva Portal at
https://new.broadcastseva.gov.in/digigov-portal-web-app/Upload?flag=iframeAttachView&attachId=140703942&whatsnew=true
Ministry of Finance
Functions of National Anti-profiteering Authority  from Competition Commission of India  and the Central Board of Excise and Customs 
The National Anti-profiteering Authority  has been constituted under section 171 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 read with Chapter XV of the Central Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017  to determine whether the reduction in tax rates or benefit of input tax credit is being passed on to the recipient by way of commensurate reduction in prices. As per rule 137 of the CGST Rules, the Authority shall cease to exist after the expiry of two years from the date on which the Chairman enters upon his office unless the Council recommends otherwise.
Whereas, the Competition Commission of India  eliminates practices having adverse effect on competition to promote and sustain competition to protect the interest of the consumers and to ensure freedom of trade.
The Central Board of Excise and Customs   deals with the task of formulation of policy and laws and implementing the same on the levy and collection of the following duties/taxes:
- customs duties;
- central excise duties on certain items;
- central tax on intra-State supplies of goods and services and
- integrated tax on inter-State supply of goods and services
- Narcotics.
This was stated by Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla, Minister of State for Finance in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM arrives in Colombo, visits Seema Malaka Temple
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, arrived in Colombo this evening. He was received at the airport by the Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Mr. Ranil Wickramsinghe, and other senior Ministers.
Both Prime Ministers later arrived at the Seema Malaka Temple, where they were received by the Chief Monk of the Temple, among other dignitaries.
The Prime Minister offered flowers at the altar of the Temple. Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Wickramsinghe together pressed a switch for the lamp-lighting ceremony on the eve of Vesak Day, characterised by brilliant multi coloured lights and a fireworks display.
Special Service and Features
NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY MISSION ENSURES FOOD FOR ALL
Rs 17.53 crore sanctioned for Tamil Nadu as NFSM first instalment
Government has announced a slew of relaxation measures under UNLOCK- 5 guidelines . Still daily labourers are the most affected by covid 19 pandemic lockdown as they lost steady income. Government is giving free ration upto November so that no one is left starving in the nation.
National Food Security Mission was started in 2007-08 to increase the production of rice , wheat and pulses through area expansion and productivity enhancement. In this fiscal Rs 17.53 crore was sanctioned as first instalment for Tamil Nadu to implement NFSM in the state. Out of this Rs 3.33 crore has been released as grant in aid as special component plan for Scheduled Castes last month. The financial sanction includes Rs 3.21 crore for NFSM Rice, Rs 10.15 crore for NFSM Pulses and Rs 81.87 lakh for Coarse cereals and Rs 3.34 crore for NFSM nutri cereals. The Tamil Nadu state government will have to contribute 40 per cent and implement the scheme. The NFSM-Rice is being implemented in 194 districts of 25 states including 8 districts in Tamil Nadu, five in Andhra Pradesh, 23 in Uttar Pradesh. The NFSM-Pulses is being implemented in 638 districts of 29 states including 30 districts in Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Assam and Bihar. NFSM-Coarse cereals is being implemented in 265 districts of 28 states including 10 in Tamil Nadu.
In Tamil Nadu the target for this fiscal under NFSM for rice production is 61.80 lakh tonnes, coarse and nutri cereals production target is 38.52 lakh tonnes, pulses production at 5.54 lakh tonnes and food grain production at 95.82 lakh tonnes. The primary object of NFSM nutri cereals scheme is to increase production of minor millets and increase its availability. September month was observed as nutrition month and fortified rice is being given through ration shops in many districts including Tiruchirapalli. Shri Rengasamy, farmer from Poonampalayam says that he has received Millet seeds under NFSM scheme from agriculture officials. The farmer said that he is cultivating Cumbu Millet in one hectare field. Agriculture officials Shri Parteban Assistant Agriculture Officer and Manager Agriculture Smt Abhirami gave Cumbu Millet seeds and other certified seeds under government scheme.
National Food Security Mission aims at assured supply of food grains for all through public distribution system. With One nation one ration card being fully implemented all over the country by March next year, even migrant labourers will get assured supply of wheat rice and pulses through PDS shops. Agriculture department is guiding the farmers to increase food grain production and realise the target of NFSM.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 165.20 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 10.71 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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|

|
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SUPPLIED
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1,65,20,44,645
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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10,71,21,576
More than 165.20 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 10.71 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Science & Technology
S&T has to be used to the fullest at the state level for problem-solving: Dr. Harsh Vardhan at IISF2020
State Science and Technology Councils should become robust and powerful and play a major role in the development and progress of states: Dr Harsh Vardhan
IISF-2020
Union Minister for Science, Technology, Earth Sciences, Health, and Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan appealed to Science and Technology Ministers of all the states of the country to use science, technology, and innovation to the fullest to solve problems of their states.
“COVID-19 is a learning for all to understand the challenges of society and its solutions. Each and every issue can be solved through science and technology. We have a great science infrastructure, and we rank among the world’s best on all parameters. Science and Technology possibility has to be used to the fullest at the state level,” Dr. Harsh Vardhan said in his address at the ‘State S&T Ministers Conclave’ in the sixth edition of India International Science Festival .
He also advocated that State Science and Technology Councils should become robust and powerful and play a major role in the development and progress of states.
“Science and technology is one of the most powerful departments of the country for solving all kinds of problems - agriculture, potable water, energy, health and so on. There is a need to connect science with these fields to solve problems. The science infrastructure should be used by all states so that fruits of science are enjoyed by all the states of the country,” said Dr. Harsh Vardhan.
Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof K VijayRaghavan, pointed out that science generates solutions for everyday life and increases the quality of life of our citizens, while Head, SEED Division, DST Dr.Debapriya Dutta, said that science is the greatest collective endeavour in ensuring longer and happier life.
The State S&T Ministers conclave held annually as part of the IISF, creates an opportunity for a dialogue among the key stakeholders & partners for centre-state S&T cooperation. The Minister also released a compendium of State S & T Councils and inaugurated its web portal.
Please CLICK HERE for details of the Compendium.
Ministry of Finance
Launch of I-Sprint’21: IFSCA’s Global FinTech Hackathon Series “Sprint01: BankTech”
International Financial Services Centres Authority  and GIFT City launched I-Sprint’21, the global FinTech Hackathon Series of IFSCA on 7th October 2021 at 11.30 AM IST. The first Sprint of the series “Sprint01: BankTech” is focussed on FinTechs for the Banking sector.
The IFSCA is a unified authority for the development and regulation of financial products, financial services and financial institutions in the International Financial Services Centres  in India. IFSCA endeavours to encourage the promotion of financial technologies  initiatives across the spectrum of banking, insurance, securities and fund management in IFSC. In this context, a series of Hackathons cutting across these sectors have been planned under the banner of I-Sprint’21. This hackathon is first under the I-Sprint series focussing on the Banking Sector and is one of its kind being backed by a Regulator. It shall be conducted virtually and is open to eligible FinTechs from across the Globe.
Following the announcement by Hon’ble Finance Minister in Union Budget 2020-21 on supporting a “World Class FinTech Hub” at GIFT IFSC, IFSCA had introduced a framework for “Regulatory Sandbox” in October 2020 which allows the FinTech entities to have facilities and flexibilities to experiment with innovative FinTech solutions in a live environment with a limited set of real customers for a limited time frame. The finalists of this Hackathon shall be allowed direct entry into IFSCA Regulatory/Innovation Sandbox.
Sprint01: BankTech is hosted jointly by IFSCA and GIFT city in collaboration with NITI Aayog. The Partners to the Hackathon are ICICI Bank, HSBC Bank, iCreate, Zone Startups and Invest-India.
The aim of the Hackathon is:
 to connect IFSCA and GIFT IFSC with FinTech Ecosystem
 to solve Business Problems for the Banking Units at GIFT IFSC and
 to promote retail business for the Banking Units at GIFT IFSC.
Major rewards and recognition proposed under Sprint01: BankTech are:
- FinTech finalists to be allowed direct entry into IFSCA Regulatory/Innovation Sandbox.
- FinTechs will work directly with the Partner Banks on the problem statement who will provide the APIs, mentoring, guidance, etc.
- Opportunity for the FinTechs to show-case during the Flagship FinTech Forum of IFSCA scheduled during Dec’2021
- iCreate sponsored Price money of Rs 24 lakh
- Business Support Solution Partner benefits of upto $25,000 per startup from Zone Startups India's network.
Further details and application process are available at www.isprint.in or www.ifsca.gov.in.
Special Service and Features
Income Tax Department organises TDS Awareness Program for the benefit of Tamilnadu State Government DDOs coming under the Pay and Accounts Officer , Chennai
The Joint Commissionerate of Income Tax, TDS Range-3, Chennai and the
Commissionerate of Treasuries and Accounts, Chennai, jointly conducted TDS Awareness Programme today  at Perasiriyar Ka Anbalagan Maligai, Chennai under the able guidance of Shri M Murali, Commissioner of Income Tax , Chennai and Shri M Arjun Manic, Joint Commissioner of Income Tax, TDS Range-3, Chennai, for the benefit of Income Tax Deductors of Tamil Nadu State Government Drawing and Disbursing Officers coming under the Pay Accounts Officer -East, Chenani in two sessions wherein, the DDOs and their supporting staff were participated and got benefitted.
Shri Thirupathi, Pay and Accounts Officer  presided over the TDS Awareness Program and delivered special address.
Shri L Rajaraman, Income Tax Officer explained about the mechanism of tax deduction at source and tax collection at source as prescribed in the Income Tax Act,1961. In particular , he has requested the Drawing and Disbursing Officers  to deduct tax / collect tax on the appropriate payments / receipts in the prescribed rates as mentioned in the Income Tax Act,1961 while submitting the bills to the Pay and Accounts Officer, in respect of Salary, Contract expenses, etc. Special request was made that while presenting the Salary Bill to the PAO, each DDO has to estimate the taxable salary income of all of its employees, in the beginning of every FY and TDS has to be made an on average rate of Income Tax on the applicable rates prescribed in the relevant FY from the first month salary onwards.
Deductors were sensitized on the requirement of filing of quarterly
TDS /TCS statements and issue of Certificates to the Deductees / Collectees.
Shri T V Sridhar, Income Tax Officer presented a Power Point Presentation, wherein, he explained the consequences such as Interest on Late Payments/ Late Deductions, Late Filing Fees, Penalties and prosecution on Non-compliances of TDS / TCS provisions of the Income Tax Act,1961.
The DDOs were informed about the following Tax Deductor services initiatives carried out by the Chief Commissionerate of Income Tax , Chennai, and request was made to the participants to utilize the facility provided by the Income Tax Department, on requirement basis.
1. Availability of App Chatbot  called as TDS-Nanban in both the languages English and Tamil, which was launched recently for the very first time in the country, an Artificial Intelligence – powered one, which can be downloaded from  on mobile from play store / App store in both Android and ioS versions.
2. e-TDS Videos which were created in Tamil and uploaded in the official you tube channel of the Principal Chief Commissionerate of Income Tax, Tamilnadu & Puducherry region, and the same may be accessed with 
3. Release of TDS Manual in both languages English and Tamil .
4. Release of TDS pamphlets both in English and Tamil. Hard copy of English version provided to the participants .
Prime Minister's Office
PMO reviews efforts of eleven Empowered Groups towards tackling COVID-19
Confidence building measures key to ensure seamless supply chain management
Last mile outreach through communication in regional languages to remain the focus
A meeting of the Empowered Groups of Officers, to tackle the challenges emerging as a result of spread of COVID-19, was held today under the Chairmanship of Principal Secretary to Prime Minister. The meeting was the latest in a series of periodic reviews at various levels by the Prime Minister’s Office to monitor the ongoing efforts to counter the impact of the pandemic.
Principal Secretary reviewed the efforts undertaken by the Empowered Groups. The issues related to supply chain and logistics management for availability of necessary items, efforts undertaken for the benefit of stakeholders involved, steps to assist farmers harvest their produce while maintaining social distancing, further confidence building measures necessary and need to ensure percolation of guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs to the ground level were discussed. The gathering reviewed and expressed satisfaction on the detailed testing protocol and procedure, under which  1,45,916 samples have been tested.
It was informed that all Chief Secretaries of States were issued instructions to arrange for shelter for the vulnerable groups like migrants and homeless. Also, Centre is in constant touch with States and District level monitoring is being undertaken. The production of PPEs is being ramped up and capacity building for healthcare personnel is being ensured. NGOs and Civil Society groups are also being mobilized. Principal Secretary suggested that coordination with NGOs at district level be done to avoid overlaps and ensure efficacious utilization of resources.
The progress of roll out of welfare measures through the economic relief package under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana was also reviewed. Principal Secretary underlined that data sanctity was important to ensure that the benefits reach out to all the intended beneficiaries.
Steps taken to ensure timely information dissemination throughout the country were discussed and ensuring last mile outreach through communication in regional languages was emphasized. On the technology and data management front, while expressing satisfaction on the roll out of Aarogya Setu app, it was felt that the user engagement with the app needs to be enhanced.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of Prime Minister’s Office and other Ministries under the Government of India.
Ministry of Finance
Relief to Senior Citizens: Exemption of Interest Income on deposits increased to Rs 50,000
Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana extended up to March 2020
Existed limit on investment under PMVVY enhanced to Rs 15 lakhs
With the objective of providing a dignified life to senior citizens, the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley, announced significant incentives for senior citizens.
Presenting the General Budget 2018-19 in Parliament here today, the Finance Minister said that the exemption of interest income on deposits with banks and post offices to be increased from Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 50,000/- and TDS shall not be required to be deducted on such income, under section 194A. This benefit shall be available also for interest from all fixed deposits schemes and recurring deposit schemes.
The Finance Minister also announced raising the limit of deduction for health insurance premium and/ or medical expenditure from Rs. 30,000/- to Rs. 50,000/-, under section 80D. All senior citizens will now be able to claim benefit of deduction up to Rs. 50,000/- per annum in respect of any health insurance premium and/or any general medical expenditure incurred.
Further, the Finance Minister proposed raising the limit of deduction for medical expenditure in respect of certain critical illness from Rs. 60,000/- in case of senior citizens and from Rs. 80,000/- in case of very senior citizens, to Rs. 1 lakh in respect of all senior citizens, under section 80DDB.
These concessions will give extra tax benefit of Rs. 4,000 crores to senior citizens.
In addition to tax concessions, the Finance Minister proposed to extend the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana up to March 2020 under which an assured return of 8% is given by Life Insurance Corporation of India. The existing limit on investment of Rs. 7.5 lakh per senior citizen under this scheme is also being enhanced to Rs. 15 lakh.
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